Repositionable trigger system

Abstract

This invention replaces a stationary handgrip with a repositionable trigger system which allows the user to quickly reconfigure the trigger system to offset the trigger to either the right or to the left. This allows the user to protect his shooting hand from return fire from the enemy. A previous design from the inventor was a minimal exposure weapon which protected all of the shooter, with exception of the shooter's firing hand, by allowing the shooter from behind a wall or a corner. The present invention complements the previous invention as well as other weapons by protecting the shooter's hand.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to firearms and, more particularly, pertains to minimum exposure weapons which allow the user to fire a weapon from a covered position with minimal exposure to enemy fire.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] The use of firearms is known in prior art. More specifically, firearms heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriads of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

[0005] Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. Des 324,557; 6,637,141B1; 6,517,133 B2; 6,397,507 B1; 6,070,355; 5,675,112; 4,878,305; 4,827,652; 4,677,781; 3,369,316; 2,826,848; 2,771,697; and 1,386,247.

[0006] The inventive device substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art and in doing so provide a weapon primarily developed for the purpose of allowing a user to fire the weapon with a minimum of exposure from enemy fire. A previous invention of the inventor, was a Minimum Exposure Weapon, which allows a shooter to fire a weapon from behind a wall with minimum exposure to the shooter with exception to the shooter's trigger hand, which remains exposed. The present invention will effectively mate to the Minimum Exposure Weapon, as well as other weapons, and reduce the exposure from enemy fire to that hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Although the repositionable trigger system was designed with the M-16 type weapons in mind, it is certainly not limited to that application, but for the current discussion the M-16, will be the focus. The repositionable trigger system was designed to replace the handgrip, and the trigger guard on the lower receiver of the M-16. The invention allows the shooter to extent the handgrip downward and to pivot the handgrip either to the right or to the left a few inches. The hand grip contains the linkages necessary and a secondary trigger to allow the weapon to be fired by exerting a force on the primary trigger through the primary trigger interface control rod. The system was designed with the criteria to be able to retrofit existing weapon designs with a minimum of changes. The invention when installed on current M-16, looks very much like the current hand grip and allows the user to fire the weapon using the primary trigger. But when the user wants to protect his hand, the invention will rapidly offset either to the right or to the left to allow the hand to be protected behind a wall.

[0008] When coupled to the inventers previous invention the Minimum Exposure Weapon, the shooter's entire body can be shielded, behind a wall, while he fires his weapon. The invention also contains a special retainer which is used to hold captive the improved detent and spring, used in the safety-Fire lever function. Normally, when the handgrip is removed, from the lower receiver, the detent and spring fall out of the detent and spring orifice. The spring is actually housed in the upper hand grip. But by using a shorter spring and detent with the retainer, the handgrip can be removed with out impeding the Safe-Fire lever.

[0009] To operate the trigger system, the release screw would be unscrewed from the bottom of the hand grip. This step could be accomplished before a user suspected that he may want to utilize the unique feature of the trigger system. Then, when needed, the release lever is depressed and the spring loaded secondary trigger rotates out. The secondary trigger also functions as a holding pin, so once it is deployed the handgrip can be extended and rotated into position. The internal control rods and linkages are automatically aligned to support the function of the secondary trigger to fire the weapon.

[0010] To convert back to the normal mode, where the primary trigger is used and the secondary trigger in housed in the handgrip, the user would swing the handgrip back to the bottom and slide the grip up mate with the lower receiver. When in the upper position the secondary trigger can be pulled back where it will function as a locking pin. It will be latched into position by the release lever. Because of the design, the secondary trigger can only fire the weapon when it is fully extended.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a trigger system which will complement a weapon which can be carried and used as a conventional weapon and when necessary this weapon can be converted real time to support firing from behind a corner of a building or object; this trigger system supports this object by allowing the user's hand to be under cover while firing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a profile view of a lower receiver with the present invention installed and configured to use the primary trigger.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a profile view of a lower receiver with the present invention installed and configured to use the secondary trigger.

[0014] FIG. 3 is profile view detailing the trigger mount adapter and the Fire-Safe detent spring retainer.

[0015] FIG. 4 details the secondary trigger in the fire position.

[0016] FIG. 5 details the secondary trigger in the primary trigger fire mode.

[0017] FIG. 6 details the secondary trigger and linkages when fired.

[0018] FIG. 7 details the secondary trigger and linkages prior to firing.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric projection of the handgrip off set to the left side.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of the handgrip off set to the right side.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a top view of the trigger mount adapter.

[0022] FIG. 11 is the left end view of the trigger mount adapter.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a lateral view of the trigger mount adapter.

[0024] FIG. 13 is the right end view of the trigger mount adapter.

[0025] FIG. 14 is the bottom view of the trigger mount adapter.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the superior support arm.

[0027] FIG. 16 is an end view of the superior support arm.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a lateral view of the inferior support arm.

[0029] FIG. 18 is an end view of the inferior support arm.

[0030] FIG. 19 is the end view of the Fire-Safe detent spring retainer.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a side view of the Fire-Safe detent spring retainer.

[0032] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the Fire-Safe detent spring retainer.

[0033] FIG. 22 is the top view of the Fire-Safe detent spring retainer.

[0034] FIG. 23 is a left end view of the primary trigger interface control rod installed in the trigger mount adapter.

[0035] FIG. 24 is a lateral view of the primary trigger interface control rod installed in the trigger mount adapter.

[0036] FIG. 25 is an end view of the primary trigger interface control rod.

[0037] FIG. 26 is a lateral view the primary trigger interface control rod.

[0038] FIG. 27 is the top view the primary trigger interface control rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] Turning now to the drawings, the repositionable trigger system embodying the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The repositionable trigger system 10 is attached to the lower receiver 30 using the trigger mount adapter 20. The configuration is shown for firing using the primary trigger 18. In FIG. 2, the repositionable trigger system 10 is now configured to be fired using the secondary trigger 14 which is housed in handgrip 12.

[0040] FIG. 3 details a cutaway view of the trigger mount adapter 20 as well as a cutaway view of the Safe/Fire detent 32 and spring 28 which is held in place by retainer 60 which is sandwiched between trigger mount adapter 20 and lower receiver 30. Additional items shown in this view through the handgrip 12 which has been outlined are the inferior support arm 26 which is connected to the superior support arm 24 which in turn is connected to the trigger mount adapter 20. Fastener 38 secures handgrip 12 into primary trigger 18 mode firing. Detailed in the cutaway view of trigger mount adapter, are the primary trigger interface control rod 22, the mounting bolt 36 which mounts the trigger mount adapter 20 to the lower receiver 30 with the retainer 60 retaining the Safe/Fire detent 32 and spring 28 into proper position. Detent 34 is shown which will provide positive stops for superior support arm 24.

[0041] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 detail the working relationship of the secondary trigger 48 with the control linkages 42, 44, and 46. FIG. 5 shows the position of secondary trigger 48, held in place by trigger release lever 50, when configured for primary trigger 18 firing. In this position secondary trigger 18 is out of reach of the control linkage 46. In this position, the posterior arm of secondary trigger 48 acts as a retaining pin interfacing opening 54 (FIG. 16) in superior support arm 24. When the handgrip 12 is deployed, in FIG. 4, secondary trigger displaces control linkage 42 to fire the weapon.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows secondary trigger 48 in position when the weapon is fired. The posterior arm of secondary trigger 48 has displaced lever 42 and through displacements of levers 44 and 46, the primary trigger interface control rod 52 has pulled the primary trigger 18 to fire the weapon. FIG. 7 details these components prior to the pulling of the secondary trigger.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows the repositionable trigger system isolated from the lower receiver while it is offset to the left side. Wing flap 11 (not seen) has been rotated into a horizontal position under superior support arm 24. The two holes 25 are used to aid in mounting trigger mount adapter 20. FIG. 9 shows the repositionable trigger system isolated from the lower receiver while it is offset to the right side. Wing flap 13 (not seen) has been rotated into a horizontal position under superior support arm 24.

[0044] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 show the trigger mount adapter 20 in the top view, left end view, side view, right end view, and bottom view. FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the superior support arm 24 and FIG. 16 is the end view of the same showing opening 54 which is used as a receptacle for the posterior arm of the secondary trigger 48 to secure the handgrip into position. FIG. 17 is the lateral view of the inferior support arm 26. A cut away section reveals the securing fastener which mates with the securing screw (FIG. 3 item 38) to secure the handgrip 12 into position. FIG. 18 is a left lateral view of the inferior support arm 26 detailing opening 56 which allows the posterior arm of secondary trigger 48 to push the linkage 42 (FIG. 4) which in turn fires the weapon. Not shown are the return springs that return the linkages and the trigger to the ready to fire positions.

[0045] FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22 are the end view, side view, a prospective view, and a top view. These views detail the Safety/Fire Spring 28 (FIG. 3) and detent 32 (FIG. 3) retainer whose primary purpose is to keep the detent and spring in proper position when the handgrip (12) is repositioned in a lateral position. The secondary purpose of the retainer is to eliminate long term wear from occurring from the lower receiver (typically manufactured from aluminum) from the upper handgrip being mated and unmated. Item 62 is the hole that bolt 36 (FIG. 3) passes through to screw into the trigger mount adapter 20 (FIG. 3). FIGS. 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27 detail the primary trigger interface control rod. Notch 64 is used to interface lever 46 (FIG. 6).

[0046] It is noted that the embodiment of the repositionable trigger system described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is of course subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1) A trigger system designed to be relocated from a normal position to protect the firing hand of the user from return fire by offsetting the handgrip to a position which could be shielded from hostile fire; said trigger system comprising: a) said handgrip projecting from the inferior surface of the lower receiver of the weapon; b) a trigger mount adapter connecting said trigger system to said lower receiver of said weapon; c) a primary trigger interface control rod allowing control of primary trigger from a posterior location through an orifice in said trigger mount adapter; d) a superior support arm connected to the inferior surface of said trigger mount adapter allowing bilateral rotation of said superior support arm about said trigger mount adapter said rotation is primarily in a perpendicular plane in relation to said lower receiver; e) an inferior support arm connected to the inferior surface of said superior support arm allowing for rotational movement of said inferior support arm about said superior arm mainly in a perpendicular plane in respect to said lower receiver; f) a secondary trigger mounted in said handgrip; g) control linkages with associated pivot points connecting said secondary trigger to said primary trigger interface control rod allowing said weapon to be fired with said secondary trigger; h) a means for securing said handgrip in position on said lower receiver when said weapon is to be fired with said primary trigger; i) a means for securing said hand grip in position on said inferior support arm when said handgrip is positioned laterally in respect to said weapon when said weapon is to be fired by said secondary trigger preventing exposure to said return fire; j) an improved spring and detent for said weapon safety lever which allows for said spring and said detent to be housed entirely in said lower receiver; k) a retainer which mates between said lower receiver and said trigger mount adapter allowing for the repositioning of said handgrip while keeping captive said weapon safety lever, said spring and said detent;

2) The trigger system claimed in claim 1, wherein said handgrip slides upon said superior support arm and said inferior support arm, said handgrip contains locking mechanisms which allows said handgrip to be reposition and secured to a lateral position in respect to said weapon when said weapon is to be fired by said secondary trigger, said superior support arm as well as said control linkages may be telescoping in nature to extend the lateral displacement of said handgrip during said secondary trigger firing of said weapon, said handgrip also utilizes said locking mechanisms to secure said handgrip snuggly around said trigger mount adapter, and said retainer which is securely fastened to said lower receiver while said weapon is configured in the normal or neutral position when said weapon is to be fired by said primary trigger.

3) The trigger system claimed in claim 1, wherein said trigger mount adapter replaces the trigger guard assembly of said lower receiver utilizing at least one of the existing roll pin holes of said trigger guard located in said lower receiver for mounting of said trigger mount adapter, said trigger system also utilizes the existing handgrip mounting screw hole located in said lower receiver for mounting of said trigger mount adapter.

4) The trigger system claimed in claim 3, wherein said trigger mount adapter contains a detent to secure said superior support arm bilaterally either to the right at a horizontal position or to the left at a horizontal position or to the normal neutral position, said trigger mount adapter allows for the rotation of said superior support arm into said bilateral left or right horizontal positions.

5) The trigger system claimed in claim 4, wherein said trigger mount adapter allows for said primary trigger interface control rod to be accessed and utilized in order for said weapon to be fired through said control linkages by use of said secondary trigger to apply a force through said control linkages through said primary trigger interface control rod to pull said primary trigger.

6) The trigger system claimed in claim 5, wherein said trigger mount allows for mounting of said trigger system to the M-16, AR-15 series rifles without modification of said lower receiver allowing said trigger system to be retrofit to existing said M-16, said AR-15 rifles.

7) The trigger system claimed in claim 1, where in said secondary trigger provides an extension arm for use in applying a force to one of said control linkage located in said inferior support arm in order to fire said weapon, said extension arm is also utilized to lock said handgrip into normal position for firing by said primary trigger.

8) The trigger system claimed in claim 7, wherein said superior support arm provides an opening in which said extension arm of said secondary trigger is housed and is used to lock said handgrip into normal position in which the weapon is fired by said primary trigger.

9) The trigger system claimed in claim 7, wherein said inferior support arm provides an opening in which said extension arm of said secondary trigger is given access to said control linkage which is used to transmit a force to said primary trigger interface control rod to pull said primary trigger in order to fire said weapon.

10) The trigger system claimed in claim 2, wherein said handgrip may contain moveable flaps which may be spring held into their upright position, said moveable flaps may be pushed open when said handgrip is extended down and rotated into the firing position for said secondary trigger operation.

11) The trigger system claimed in claim 10, wherein said handgrip provides locking mechanisms to maintain said secondary trigger in concealed position and said handgrip in normal position until deployed, said handgrip also provides said locking mechanisms to secure said handgrip in position along said inferior support arm and said handgrip provides a release mechanism for said secondary trigger deployment to support said secondary trigger firing of said weapon.

12) A trigger system designed for retrofit to current rifles whereas said trigger system can be relocated real time to a position lateral to the current position in order to protect the firing hand of the user from return fire, said trigger system comprising; a) a handgrip projecting from the inferior surface of the lower receiver of the weapon; b) a trigger mount adapter connecting said trigger system to said lower receiver of said weapon utilizing current mounting holes and screw holes of said lower receiver thereby allowing retrofit of said trigger system to the current designs of said rifles; c) a primary trigger interface control rod allowing control of primary trigger from a posterior location through an orifice in said trigger mount adapter; d) a superior support arm connected to the inferior surface of said trigger mount adapter allowing bilateral rotation of said superior support arm about said trigger mount adapter said rotation is primarily in a perpendicular plain in relation to said lower receiver; e) an inferior support arm connected to the inferior surface of said superior support arm allowing for rotational movement of said inferior support arm about said superior arm mainly in to a parallel position in respect to said lower receiver; f) a secondary trigger mounted in said handgrip; g) control linkages with associated pivot points connecting said secondary trigger to said primary trigger interface control rod allowing said weapon to be fired with said secondary trigger; h) a means for securing said handgrip in position on said lower receiver when said weapon is to be fired with said primary trigger; i) a means for securing said hand grip in position on said inferior support arm when said handgrip is positioned laterally in respect to said weapon when said weapon is to be fired by said secondary trigger preventing hand exposure to said return fire;

13) The trigger system claimed in claim 12, where in said trigger system may include an improved spring and detent for said weapon safety lever which allows for said spring and said detent to be housed entirely in said lower receiver;

14) The trigger system in claim 12, where in said trigger system may include a retainer which mates between said lower receiver and said trigger mount adapter allowing for the repositioning of said handgrip while keeping captive the safety lever spring and detent;

15) The trigger system claimed in claim 12, wherein said handgrip may be positioned and secured along said superior support arm and said inferior support arm, said handgrip contains locking mechanisms which allows said handgrip to be reposition and secured to a lateral position in respect to said weapon when said weapon is to be fired by said secondary trigger, said handgrip also utilizes said locking mechanisms to secure said handgrip snuggly around said trigger mount adapter, and said retainer which is securely fastened to said lower receiver while said weapon is configured in the normal or neutral position when said weapon is to be fired by said primary trigger.

16) The trigger system claimed in claim 12, wherein said trigger mount adapter, when retrofitting to the M-16, or AR-15 replaces the trigger guard assembly of said lower receiver utilizing at least one of the existing roll pin holes of said trigger guard located in said lower receiver for mounting of said trigger mount adapter, said trigger system also utilizes the existing handgrip mounting screw hole located in said lower receiver for mounting of said trigger mount adapter.

17) The trigger system claimed in claim 16, wherein said trigger mount adapter allows for said primary trigger interface control rod to be accessed and utilized in order for said weapon to be fired through said control linkages by use of said secondary trigger to apply a force through said control linkages through primary trigger interface control rod to pull said primary trigger for firing of said weapon.

18) The trigger system claimed in claim 1, where in said secondary trigger provides an extension arm for use in applying a force to one of said control linkage located in said inferior support arm in order to fire said weapon, said extension arm is also utilized to lock said handgrip into normal position for firing by said primary trigger, said secondary trigger is deployed by a releasing latch contained in said handgrip.

19) The trigger system claimed in claim 15, wherein said superior support arm provides an opening in which said extension arm of said secondary trigger is housed and is used to lock said handgrip into normal position in which said weapon is fired by said primary trigger.

20) The trigger system claimed in claim 12, where in said superior support arm as well as said control linkages may be telescoping in nature to extend the lateral displacement of said handgrip during said secondary trigger firing of said weapon.